According to Imperiumi.net, Warner/Chappell Music Finland today announced it had acquired the entire Ranka music publishing catalogue from Ranka Kustannus Ltd, whose Managing Director Riku Pääkkönen also serves as Managing Director of Spinefarm Records/Universal. The catalogue contains 1,300 songs, the majority of which are Finnish metal and rock. Most notably the portfolio includes material from Spinefarm acts such as CHILDREN OF BODOM, TO/DIE/FOR, FINNTROLL, SONATA ARCTICA and NIGHTWISH, the internationally-renowned metal band. Furthermore, the deal means Warner/Chappell Music will now look after publishing rights for the entire Nightwish catalogue.

Under the terms of the deal, Warner/Chappell Music Finland will administer the rights to the songs in the Ranka catalogue whilst Pääkkönen will retain ownership of the Ranka company name. Warner/Chappell and Pääkkönen will continue to work together to deliver the best possible service for the songwriters involved and to maximise the commercial and creative opportunities for the catalogue.

Pääkkönen said, "I'm confident that Warner/Chappell will bring new synchronization and publishing possibilities to the Ranka catalogue. This deal should offer additional local and international exposure to highly respected writers such as Tuomas Holopainen of Nightwish and Alexi Laiho of Children of Bodom."

Lars Karlsson, Managing Director, Warner/Chappell Music Scandinavia said, "I am thrilled that this deal will further expand Warner/Chappell's catalogue in the region and enable us to work with songs that represent the finest in their genre."

Tom Frisk, A&R; Director, Warner/Chappell Music Finland said, "We are delighted to be working with the Ranka publishing catalogue which includes the essential works of some of the greatest Finnish metal music writers. In partnership with the artists and Riku Pääkkönen, we look forward to building on Ranka's achievements and capitalizing on emerging sync and digital opportunities as well as other revenue streams."